Staff and pupils at Oakhurst Primary school held a non-uniform blue day in aid of Swindon Ten to Eighteen project, which supports children and young people who are struggling at home or at school, particularly with bullying.
At a special school assembly attended by Justin Tomlinson MP and Swindon Youth MP and anti-cyber bullying campaigner Carney Bonner, STEP coordinator Paul Dodson highlighted the importance of creating a safe environment at school.
Parent Vicky Gleed came up with the idea of running the day in aid of STEP, in response to their appeal for community fundraisers to help fund a new project minibus.
Carney described his work, funded by Channel 4’s Battlefront series, to tour all secondary schools in Swindon to stamp out internet bullying.
Headteacher Dale Burr said, “although we have anti-bullying week each year we believe that we shouldn’t treat bullying as a one-off issue. We need to be doing things all year round to sustain the anti-bullying message.
“We have our school charter which reminds us to stand up, speak out and take action, and not be by-standers when we encounter bullying. We also have our school song No to Bullies. By constantly highlighting the anti-bullying message we are gaining the reputation amongst parents of being a bully-free school.”
Justin Tomlinson MP, "I was delighted to see how Oakhurst Primary School has fully got behind this excellent campaign. It is essential that children know how to seek help and support, and working together unacceptable bullying can be stamped out."
Help raise money for STEP via www.swindonstep.org.uk
Pictured: Oakhurst youngsters with VIPs at the assembly, from left, Carney Bonner YMP, STEP coordinator Paul Dodson and Justin Tomlinson MP
Article & Picture from Swindon Link Magazine: http://www.swindonlink.com/news/anti-bullying